Apple has never or at least rarely failed to surprise or take a left turn when all expected it to be a right one. However your title sums it up for me, this is the weirdest move I've known in Apple's history, (leaving aside the soft drink CEO disaster which is kinda different.)

I'm too old now to rush into things so I can wait to see what transpires but despite my patience I do look forward to finding out.

Thanks for a great heads up.

Take care. Stay safe. ☮️